Alien (1979) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
During its return to the earth, commercial spaceship Nostromo intercepts a distress signal from a distant planet. When a three-member team of the crew discovers a chamber containing thousands of eggs on the planet, a creature inside one of the eggs attacks an explorer. The entire crew is unaware of the impending nightmare set to descend upon them when the alien parasite planted inside its unfortunate host is birthed.
Rated R • 1979 • 1h 57m
The crew of a deep-space commercial vessel encounters a deadly extraterrestrial life form that begins killing them one by one. Sigourney Weaver. One of the greatest science fiction and horror films ever made. The R rating covers the chest-burster sequence, other deaths, and sustained dread.
Cast
Is Alien appropriate for kids?
The crew of a deep-space commercial vessel encounters a deadly extraterrestrial life form that begins killing them one by one. Sigourney Weaver. One of the greatest science fiction and horror films ever made. The R rating covers the chest-burster sequence, other deaths, and… Read more — free account
Content severity in Alien
What happens in Alien, moment by moment
- 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:18 💬 Language 5/10
- 0:42 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
Sex and nudity in Alien
There is no sexual content or nudity depicted in this film. The story focuses entirely on the crew's survival against a hostile organism in a dark, industrial sci-fi setting. Parents should be aware that while there is no traditional sexual contact, some film critics have noted the creature's design contains bio-mechanical elements intended to evoke discomfort.
Violence and gore in Alien
The chest-burster sequence — a creature erupts from a crew member's chest in graphic close-up. Still one of cinema's most shocking single images. Deaths throughout by the creature. The film is restrained by contemporary standards except for the chest-burster.
Language in Alien
The film features multiple instances of strong language, including several uses of the F-word used in moments of extreme stress or anger. Working-class dialogue between the crew members also includes milder profanities like 'shit' and 'bastard.' The frequency is moderate but consistent with a gritty R-rated production from the late 1970s.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Alien
There is no significant use of alcohol or illicit drugs throughout the movie. The crew members function as professional commercial voyagers, prioritizing their survival and duties over any recreational substances. The film remains focused on the claustrophobic horror of the environment rather than substance-related plot points.
Mature themes in Alien
The perfect organism — a creature designed purely to kill, with no morality or agenda. Corporate indifference to workers' lives — Weyland-Yutani wants the alien, considers the crew expendable. Ripley as one of cinema's great survivalist heroes. The film's slow build makes each death feel earned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alien appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Alien is best for ages 16+. It's rated R. The crew of a deep-space commercial vessel encounters a deadly extraterrestrial life form that begins killing them one by one. Sigourney Weaver. One of the greatest science fiction and horror films ever made. The R…
What age rating does Alien have?
Alien is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 16+.
What is Alien about?
The crew of a deep-space commercial vessel encounters a deadly extraterrestrial life form that begins killing them one by one. Sigourney Weaver. One of the greatest science fiction and horror films ever made. The R rating covers the chest-burster sequence, other deaths, and sustained dread.
Is there sex or nudity in Alien?
There is no sexual content or nudity depicted in this film. The story focuses entirely on the crew's survival against a hostile organism in a dark, industrial sci-fi setting. Parents should be aware that while there is no traditional sexual contact, some film…
How violent is Alien?
The chest-burster sequence — a creature erupts from a crew member's chest in graphic close-up. Still one of cinema's most shocking single images. Deaths throughout by the creature. The film is restrained by contemporary standards except for the chest-burster.
Is the language in Alien appropriate for kids?
The film features multiple instances of strong language, including several uses of the F-word used in moments of extreme stress or anger. Working-class dialogue between the crew members also includes milder profanities like 'shit' and 'bastard.' The frequency…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Alien?
There is no significant use of alcohol or illicit drugs throughout the movie. The crew members function as professional commercial voyagers, prioritizing their survival and duties over any recreational substances. The film remains focused on the…
What mature themes appear in Alien?
The perfect organism — a creature designed purely to kill, with no morality or agenda. Corporate indifference to workers' lives — Weyland-Yutani wants the alien, considers the crew expendable. Ripley as one of cinema's great survivalist heroes. The film's…
How long is Alien?
Alien runs 117 minutes, directed by Ridley Scott, released in 1979.
Where can I read the full Alien parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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